Life and its varied hues

Just One Life and Other Stories

by Manju Kak.

Imprint One. Pages 179. Rs 350

Reviewed by Aditi Garg

Rarely one comes across short stories that move you and stir your emotions. A compilation of short stories with each story packing a punch of a full-length book, Just One Life And Other Stories by Manju Kak is like a set of windows that let you peep into different lives. Told with compassion and concern and at times with a tongue-in-cheek narrative, the stories feel like those from your own neighbourhood, being narrated by a keen observer. 

A teacher with a Ph.D. in History of Art, Kak has written articles, critiques and short stories for various anthologies, journals and newspapers. This is her third collection of short stories and is a thorough entertainer.

The book opens with a casual look at the inhumane treatment meted out to a petty thief by police. It sets the pace of the stories to come next, to expect the unexpected. An engineer’s wife coming to terms with her husband’s affair, a mother harried by gossip, a daughter longing for her mother, a matriarch’s life and death and a girl sexually involved with a servant; the book tackles each subject with detachment that manages to arouse a variety of emotions. The book uses simple settings, easy language and everyday characters in a profound manner. 

 

 

 

Golf Course Upkeep: A Practical Guide

by Navkesh Singh.

Quills Ink. Pages 161. Rs 550

If you like to be thorough with the theory before you take things head-on, Golf Course Upkeep - A Practical Guide is the perfect book for you. While the name suggests that it is about the upkeep of golf courses, it deals very nicely and concisely with the subject of playing golf as well. Written by Navkesh Singh, former Course Manager of Chandigarh Golf Club, it is a handy guide for all things golf. 

The author introduces the basic concepts of golf and goes on to describe the various aspects of designing, creating and maintaining a golf course. He describes various kinds of grass used for courses and gives the advantages and disadvantages of the same. It is also about weeds that affect the golf course. He stresses on the importance of effective irrigation and drainage system. You can understand a lot from the etiquette guide that is a must for novices. The book is a handy reference for those planning to be a part of maintenance of golf course. It guides you about the area required for courses and the basic facilities that are a must.

The book delves into every aspect of the course from roughs, fairways and bunkers to hazards, tees and putting greens. It covers all areas related to golf courses with adeptness. 

 

 

 

A Three Faced Coin

by Bhalindra Singh.

Notion. Pages 278. Rs 350

As an emerging trend, people are contemplating and some are actually quitting their lucrative jobs to lead a relaxed life, one that gives them a sense of satisfaction. While most have a plan chalked out, others have a vague idea or a dream that they set out to chase at a leisurely pace. Sort of an early retirement, affordable to only those who have made enough money to sustain their lifestyle for a while; it is the reverse urban dream. Choosing quiet and calm places, these modern-day gypsies are ready to give up all that we work to achieve, to follow their hearts.

A promising first novel, A Three Faced Coin lets your mind race exploring endless possibilities. Bhalindra Singh, a multi-faceted personality, who has worked as a banker, management consultant, professional cricketer and author, has penned a fast-paced novel against the easy-going backdrop of Dehradun.

Smooth narration sets the pace for the novel that defines paranormal activities and parallel universes as possible explanations for the strange happenings. Zubien and Mehak find themselves in the midst of a full-fledged mystery waiting to be uncovered, but not before they run into the strangest of people and equally mystifying coincidences. Read on to be with them as the drama unfolds.